Most of Iran’s women’s soccer team departed Australia on Tuesday, with only seven players accepting permanent asylum offers. Tense scenes unfolded at Sydney Airport as Australian officials held last-minute private meetings with each player, using interpreters to explain they could choose not to return to Iran, reports AP.
Earlier, seven players had been granted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia permanently. Despite emotional appeals and tearful protests from the departing players, no additional team members chose to stay. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described the airport meetings as “emotional,” noting that one of the seven women who initially stayed behind later decided to return to Iran.
The episode drew international attention after the team’s first Asian Cup match, when some players remained silent during Iran’s national anthem. Their silence was widely interpreted as a protest or act of defiance, while others viewed it as a form of mourning. Burke said the gesture “has been heard as a roar all around the world” and emphasized that Australia provided the players with a safe choice.
The team had arrived in Australia before the outbreak of conflict in Iran on February 28. Following Iran’s exit from the tournament over the weekend, players faced the prospect of returning to a country under conflict. Iranian-Australian groups warned that players could face serious repercussions for their actions, though the players themselves have not publicly explained their silence.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Australia for not granting asylum, although Australian officials confirmed that private discussions with the players had been ongoing. Iranian authorities meanwhile stated that the players were safe and under government protection.
Burke said Australian officials made every effort to ensure players could decide freely, arranging last-minute meetings, private phone calls, and separating them from team minders to allow for independent decisions. The six players remaining in Australia were relocated for security, granted permanent residency, and provided with housing, healthcare, and support.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed that the squad had moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it will continue to receive support until further travel arrangements are made.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
